第９８２堀：危機の認識と情報共有 (Part2)
"Well, in the case of the Gusdo Kingdom, it seems a combination of various factors was at play, such as their request for reinforcements."
People do not move based solely on the facts placed before them. Behind those facts lies a monster called emotion. But never mind that. I am not here to investigate the reasons behind the outbreak of war.
"Regarding this battle in the Gusdo Kingdom, what is the extent of the casualties?"
That is what matters. Even if a large-scale war occurs, if the number of deaths is low, the amount of magical energy dispersed will be minimal.
"The number of deaths, you say...? I have only received reports that they were minor. Hmm, Vol. Report what you know as of this moment."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Our military's casualties during the attacks on the Gusdo Kingdom and the Buel Kingdom were approximately 2,500."
"Ho. That is indeed minor. I heard the combined military strength of Buel and Gusdo was around 10,000."
"Your Majesty, we did not clash with their entire combined forces on some open plain. The two countries had no coordination whatsoever, and the only time they fought as a somewhat cohesive army was during the defense of the royal capital."
In other words, they were defeated piecemeal. It makes sense that the Zurabl Empire’s casualties would be low. But the next part is what’s important.
"I understand our side's losses. Now, do you have figures for the enemy's death toll? As Emperor Yupia mentioned earlier, there is a possibility of mass zombie outbreaks due to the handling of the corpses."
"Do not worry about that. We have gathered the war dead, friend and foe alike, and cremated them properly; their remains have been reduced to bone and ash. However, the number of deaths for both Buel and Gusdo combined is around 8,000."
"8,000 dead in total. To think they held out until the very end..."
"Under normal circumstances, given that disparity in military strength, it shouldn't have reached that point..."
"That is likely because the rumor that our Zurabl Empire is cruel and heartless was so widespread. If they believed that surrender meant certain death, they would naturally fight as desperate men."
"...Good grief, what a troublesome rumor to have spread."
Indeed. This might have been a surprisingly effective tactic for the old imperial faction. By making it impossible for the enemy to surrender, they forced them to fight as desperate soldiers until they literally died, effectively whittling down the Zurabl Empire's strength. Although, in reality, the number of casualties on the Zurabl side was much lower.
"However, Vol-dono, hearing this again, it seems our casualties were remarkably low for having faced soldiers fighting with such desperation."
"I did not expect to hear such a question from someone like Shou-dono. Or perhaps, is it because we were broken by the people of Weed?"
"Broken, you say? I see. So the Wyvern squadron managed to handle it."
That’s right. If it were a standard clash between infantry, facing desperate soldiers would result in massive casualties. But the Zurabl Empire can avoid that kind of infantry-on-infantry attrition by utilizing their aerial power: the Wyverns.
"Our army's 2,500 deaths were not from that battle, but from the rebellion of the citizens after the occupation."
"I see. ...Truly, a troublesome rumor to have spread."
"From now on, I will notify the entire army to be especially vigilant after an occupation."
When Shou said that, everyone nodded. Myself included.
"Yes. Please do so. It is said that when living beings, not just humans, die, their magical energy disperses into the surroundings. Therefore, preventing a large number of deaths from occurring in one concentrated area is necessary to prevent a Great Outbreak."
"Hmm. I cannot say how much we can do, but we will do our best. Though, if a Great Outbreak occurs where the army is stationed, is it not much of a problem?"
"No, even if a Great Outbreak were to occur, it would be delayed by at least a year or two."
"Hmm, is that so? So, observation over time is necessary..."
Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Or rather, if a Great Outbreak were that easy to trigger, it would have happened long ago. It is precisely because it hasn't happened that we are investigating the cause.
"For now, I know where the large-scale battles occurred. So, were there any abnormalities in these locations, such as mass migrations of animals or mass deaths?"
"When it comes to that, it becomes somewhat difficult."
"Yes. We certainly haven't investigated things to that extent..."
As expected, they don't have such detailed information. Well, that’s only natural. I never expected to get all the answers just by asking a few questions here. Still, all I can do now is gather as much information as possible.
"Then, since that cannot be helped, have there been any sightings of powerful monsters..."
And so, our investigation into the magical energy depletion phenomenon finally began in earnest.
Thus, the monster investigation commenced.
The Zurabl Empire was surprisingly cooperative.
And what will be revealed as a result of this information?